MS Dhoni IPL 2026 MI vs CSK (Source: AFP)
It is time for the El Clásico of the Indian Premier League as Mumbai Indians prepare to host Chennai Super Kings in the match number 33 of the ongoing IPL 2026. The much-awaited MI vs CSK clash is set to unfold at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai today, Thursday, April 23.
Both CSK and MI have struggled this season, each managing only two victories from six games. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Super Kings occupy the eighth spot on the points table with a negative net run rate of -0.780.
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians, despite having an identical win-loss record, hold a better NRR, driven by their 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans on Monday.
Now, the focus completely shifts to the high-octane MI vs CSK clash with fans awaiting the sight of the greatest names in the IPL to lock horns.
But the biggest question still remains: is legendary captain MS Dhoni set to return to action in the big-ticket Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night?
‘Good signs’ for CSK: MS Dhoni keeps wickets in net sessions ahead of crucial clash
As seen in videos going viral on the internet, after being sidelined for six matches due to a calf injury, MS Dhoni spent nearly an hour in CSK net sessions ahead of the MI vs CSK clash. The former captain actively engaged in batting and wicketkeeping drills.
He looked confident during the session, moving freely and showing no signs of discomfort as he faced pacers like Matt Henry and Jamie Overton.
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Although Dhoni had previously travelled with the squad, the recent sessions mark a significant step in his recovery. Especially his rare involvement behind the stumps this season, clearly indicates he is nearing full fitness.
Will MS Dhoni play in the MI vs CSK match in IPL 2026 today?
Following an elaborate absence due to injury, MS Dhoni looks raring and ready to go, as evident in the latest training sessions. The prolonged batting training and wicket-keeping drills by the former CSK captain suggest that he could return to the field soon.
Ultimately, Dhoni’s inclusion hinges on whether the team management feels he is match-ready or if they prefer to ease him back into the playing XI vs MI to avoid aggravating his injury.
CSK’s injury woes in IPL 2026
The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, are now officially without the services of their left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed and the batting prodigy, Ayush Mhatre.
Khaleel has been ruled out the of the rest of the IPL 2026 due to a severe right quadriceps injury sustained during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14, 2026. The injury is a grade 2 tear that will take over 12 weeks to heal, dealing a major blow to the IPL franchise’s bowling lineup.
Adding to the misery, 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre, who was a vital cog in CSK’s batting department, also suffered a brutal injury to his left hamstring. Thus, forcing him out of the remainder of the tournament.
A permanent name for the number 3 batting position, Mhatre finished the season with 201 runs in 6 matches with a high score of 59 and a strike rate of 177.87.
Apart from this, Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis was also ruled out of the IPL 2026 season due to a hamstring injury sustained in March 2026. Subsequently, CSK signed Spencer Johnson as his replacement for ₹1.5 Crore.
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